Y.O.U.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At Young Overcomers United (Y.O.U.), our esteemed Board of Directors serves as the compass, steering our mission with unwavering commitment. These remarkable individuals blend strategic insight, unwavering faith, and heartfelt dedication to empower young addicts throughout their journey toward freedom.
What We Do:
- Strategic Guidance: Our board provides sage counsel, charting the course for Y.O.U.’s transformative work.
- Direction: With purposeful intent, we navigate challenges and opportunities, ensuring Y.O.U. stays on track.
- Support: We stand shoulder-to-shoulder, lifting up those who seek healing and renewal.
- Accountability: Holding ourselves to the highest standards, we champion integrity and transparency.
- Prayer: Our collective prayers infuse hope and strength into every step taken by Y.O.U.
Who We Are:
The Board comprises exceptionally gifted and God-fearing leaders, united by a shared purpose: to do it “for the one.” Each decision, every effort, resonates with compassion and determination. Together, we forge a pathway toward freedom, lighting the way for young souls yearning to break free.
Board of Directors
“Big Joe” Maxim – Founder
Joe Maxim, a.k.a. Big Joe, grew up near Pittsburgh. The youngest of eight children, he struggled with addiction in his early-teen years and into early adulthood. When he finally beat his ten-year addiction around the age of 24, he chose to help others do the same – and began Young Overcomers United. It started with one young person in his home and has since become a source of hope for hundreds of young addicts and their families looking to make a change.
Over the past 25 years, Joe and his wife Chris together have given young people the tools they need to succeed in recovery. In many cases, he encourages them to become leaders themselves, helping others to achieve freedom from addiction. Creating change in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders is his ultimate goal.
Chris Maxim, Co-Founder/Director of Operations
Chris had no first hand knowledge of drugs or alcohol use but saw the other side by watching her boyfriend’s addiction. She also watched her boyfriend recover from addiction and now “Big Joe” has been her husband for more than 30 years. She has learned a lot over the past several years and understands both the dependent and the co-dependents role in addiction. Chris has also learned every recovery is different and there isn’t one clear answer.
Olivia Mathews, Chairperson
Olivia is a graduate of Saint Vincent College where she received her B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society. During her time at SVC, she was a researcher and independent contractor for a qualitative drug overdose and recovery study within Westmoreland County. Olivia received her M.A. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She proceeded with her education at Liberty University where she received a M.A. in Christian Ministry. Olivia has also entered the field of recovery as a Christian drug and alcohol therapist within a detox/inpatient rehabilitation facility, and is currently completing her dissertation for a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. During her time at IUP, she was introduced to Big Joe and Y.O.U. in 2018. Having been a follower of the Lord her entire life, Olivia knew the Christ-centered approach was the missing piece to the recovery journey and the assignment she needed to reinforce. Thus, Olivia has been serving alongside members of Y.O.U. ever since. The purpose of her dissertation is to shine a bright light on the effectiveness of Christ in redeeming the addict and setting them free. The Y.O.U. ministry is the focal point of her research endeavor as are the Y.O.U. participants and team. Together, the hope and prayer is to publish the profound confirmation that the miracle of faith has the promise to overcome addiction once and for all.
Rick Nedley
Rick grew up in the Penn-Trafford area and after a 38 year career with the YMCA. Rick and his wife Sue, a retired school teacher, have four grown children and six grandchildren. Rick’s hobbies include hunting and fishing, and all sports. Rick loves the Lord and currently serves his church as an Elder. Rick feels “called”to Y.O.U. to utilize his various consulting skills that he used when working for YMCA of the USA. He has a a gift of compassion, especially for young men and women struggling with addictions, and wants to be a part of their road to recovery with Y.O.U.
Brian Smith JD, MTh
Brian is the Community Relations Pastor at Cornerstone Ministries. He’s been on the board of Young Overcomers United for over 5 years. For over 25 years, he has also been in the financial services arena and now runs his own estate/insurance planning practice in Pittsburgh and in Naples Florida. Brian is married to his wife, Frankie, and they have two sons. They reside in Murrysville PA.
Lisa Boyd
Lisa joined the board of Y.O.U. in 2019 hoping to help make a difference for those hurting and suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. She brought with her the pain, knowledge and experience of losing a loved one to addiction. She has also spent the last 30 years in the financial services and private equity industry. She and her two sons are residents of Murrysville. They enjoy the beach, skiing and travel.
Patrick Carl
Patrick is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh and currently is a Diabetes Executive Specialty Representative with Sanofi Pharmaceuticals. Patrick has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 24 years and they have two children.
Heidi Carl
Heidi is a graduate of Point Park University and currently is the International Marketing Manager with PM International Nutrition Company. Heidi has been married to her husband, Patrick, for 24 years and they have two children.
Kerri Beatty
Kerri is a procurement consultant living in Murrysville with her husband Martin, 4 children, and a basement full of ice hockey and soccer equipment. She has a passion for serving with a heart on fire to help impact the next generation through education and compassion. Her eyes opened to the importance of Y.O.U. after meeting ‘Big Joe’ during a loved one’s struggle with addiction. Kerri has served on the Y.O.U. board since 2019.
Sandy Duryea, Secretary
Sandy was born in Indiana, PA and is a graduate from California University of Pennsylvania. Presently, she is a Registered Behavior Technician employed by Easter Seals of Western Central Pennsylvania in their preschool program. Sandy’s family has been touched by addiction and recovery. She also participates in Y.O.U.’s Parents Praying for Parents (PSP) program.
Donald Clark
Donald has served Young Overcomers United in several leadership capacities since 2008, after first attending Y.O.U. as a resource to recover from 10 years of drug abuse. Continued mentorship from Big Joe has equipped Donald to help others experience a life of freedom in Jesus. Donald now runs a Christian Apparel business with his wife of 10 years, Katie, and is a Global Marketing & Creative Services Manager. Donald and Katie enjoy hiking, traveling, kayaking, skydiving, playing soccer, and serving Jesus.
Brian Hamilton
Brian was raised in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and currently resides in Murrysville with his wife Michelle. Brian and Michelle have two children. He works for a local engineering firm as a Sr. Sales Engineer. His passions include spending time with his family, studying the Bible, and playing drums for his church’s worship team. Brian is a graduate of the Teen Challenge residential treatment program and currently celebrates over 20 years of freedom from opiate addiction.